RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - After a full week of being iced‑in, Rutherford County Schools has a clear message for families: we’re back. James Evans with Rutherford County Schools says all campuses are set to reopen Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 and will operate on a normal schedule. Buses will also run as usual.
Evans thanked families for their patience during what has been one of the longest stretches of winter disruption the county has seen in years. Custodians and maintenance crews have spent the past several days chipping away at ice, clearing walkways, and checking buildings to make sure everything is ready for students to return. He noted that every campus is a little different, so some schools may still need to adjust drop‑off points or entrances. Any of those changes will come directly from the individual schools.
For anyone keeping track, the district begins each school year with nine inclement‑weather days. This week’s Arctic freeze used up five of them. Evans says if the district ends up needing more later in the season, there are backup options available.
And speaking of the weather, Monday’s forecast looks almost springlike compared to what we’ve just lived through. After Sunday’s final punch of Arctic air, temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 40s on Monday. Evans joked that it’s the kind of weather that makes you think about wearing shorts—though plenty of folks around here didn’t wait for 48 degrees. Even during the single‑digit mornings, you could still spot a few brave souls in shorts while the rest of us were just trying not to slip on the ice.
Evans closed by thanking families, students, and staff for everything they’ve done to keep the week running as smoothly as possible. After days of frozen roads, delayed trash pickup, and driveways that felt more like skating rinks, Rutherford County is finally thawing out—and schools are ready to welcome everyone back.
